By Fresh Facts Magazine –
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in Abel Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), following the retirement of Didi Walson-Jack after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
Enitan took the oath of office at a brief ceremony at the State House, Abuja, formally assuming responsibility for the administrative leadership of Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service.
His assumption of office coincided with the formal handover of responsibilities by Walson-Jack, who served as Head of Service from August 2024 until her retirement.
During the transition ceremony, Walson-Jack and Enitan signed the relevant official documents, after which the outgoing Head of Service presented a transition note to her successor.
Walson-Jack disclosed that the transition document covered the period from August 14, 2024, to August 27, 2026. The formal handover was subsequently marked by a handshake between the outgoing and incoming Heads of Service.
Tinubu Tasks Enitan With Civil Service Reforms
Enitan’s appointment was approved by President Tinubu on August 19, 2026, with effect from August 27.
In announcing the appointment, the President described the new Head of Service as an experienced public servant with considerable institutional knowledge and a deep understanding of the operations of the Federal Civil Service.
Tinubu charged Enitan to consolidate ongoing reforms and innovations in the civil service while strengthening professionalism, efficiency and accountability.
The President also tasked him with ensuring that the Federal Civil Service remains merit-driven, innovative and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.
According to Tinubu, Enitan is expected to build on existing reforms and strengthen the capacity of the civil service to deliver effective and efficient public administration.
The President also commended Walson-Jack for her service to the nation and her contributions to reforms and innovations within the Federal Civil Service during her tenure.
Enitan’s Experience
An indigene of Osun State, Enitan became the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service before his appointment as Head of Service.
He had served as a Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, during which he held senior positions in several government establishments.
His previous postings included the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President. He was later deployed as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.
With extensive experience across various ministries and government institutions, Enitan’s career in the public service culminated in his emergence as the most senior Permanent Secretary before his elevation to the position of Head of Service.
Who Is Abel Enitan?
Abel Enitan was born on December 12, 1966. He began his education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and later attended the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.
He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking from the University of Lagos in 1988 before joining the Federal Civil Service.
Over the course of his career, Enitan served in several government ministries and institutions, gaining extensive administrative and policy experience.
As the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, he is now responsible for providing strategic administrative leadership to the Federal Civil Service and advancing government reforms designed to improve efficiency, professionalism, accountability and service delivery.
His appointment comes at a time when the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to reposition the civil service as a more efficient, innovative and citizen-focused institution.
